06/07/2024
The following information is from the CHP website and the California Vehicle code.
What the Sur-on style machines are and are not.
1. They are not E-bicycles, they do not have functioning pedals, they exceed the maximum speed (28 mph) for an E-bike and exceed the motor size (750 watts) for an E- bike.
What they most closely resemble:
1. They are off-road motorcycles.
They are not street legal “out of the box” (Sur-on is scheduled to introduce a street legal machine at some point).
Requirements to make the machine street legal:
1. Must pass a vehicle inspection
2. Must be registered with a properly mountain license plate
3. Must have lights, mirrors, turn signals, etc.
The rider must:
1. Be at least 16 years old
2. Have a valid driver’s license
3. Have a M1 or an M2 endorsement (motorcycle endorsement)
4. Wear proper protective gear (DOT Helmet, eye protection).
Unless they have been made street legal they may NOT be ridden on:
1. Public roadways They can never be ridden on:
2. Sidewalks
3. Bike lanes
4. The Multi use path
5. Private property prohibiting the use of motorized vehicles (can never be ridden in those areas regardless of street legal or not).
If they are not street legal, they can be ridden in designated Off Highway Vehicle areas. They must be trailered to the area, not ridden on any of the above-mentioned roads or paths. All OHV rules must be followed including the display of a properly issued green sticker.
If riders are found to be in violation of the above laws, they are subject to citation and the machine can be impounded for 30 days.
